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Friday, 3 March 2017

Knights of Columbus Supreme Council makes donation to families of victims of the St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church bombing in Cairo, Egypt

Coptic Orthodox Church
UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Knights of Columbus Supreme Council makes donation to
families of victims of the St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church bombing in Cairo,
Egypt

3 March 2017

Given the ongoing needs of those affected by the
bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo on 11 December 2016,
which claimed the lives of 29 people, mostly women and children, the Knights of
Columbus Supreme Council has donated $75,000 to support the families of
victims.

Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
spoke to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom, shortly after the bombing to arrange this support
for the families and communities affected by the tragic event.

"The Knights of Columbus is honored to assist
those affected by this terrible and tragic crime. Even long after events like
those of December 11, the physical and emotional scars of such calamities
continue to affect the victims, and it is our hope that these funds will help
to heal those who have had to endure this assault. It is also our hope that
this donation will highlight the solidarity we feel with our Christian brothers
and sisters in Egypt. Their courage in persevering in the faith despite such
attacks inspires us in our own faith, and while we are horrified by the attack,
we are also deeply grateful for the Christian witness of forgiveness shown by
those affected."

Commenting on the
generous donation, His Grace Bishop Angaelos said:

“On behalf of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of
Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, and the Coptic Orthodox Church,
we are very thankful for the generosity of Knights of Columbus, and grateful
for our ongoing relationship with them. Having worked closely with Supreme
Knight Anderson and The Knights of Columbus in March 2016 on the campaign to
highlight the Genocide against Christians in the Middle East, we know that
there is much that can be achieved when we stand together to witness for those
persecuted around the world, whether in Egypt or elsewhere.”